“Second, we used pegs and ropes to make a grid and visualize the different ideas.

“Third, plants and mechanical considerations were planned.

“Two: Soil preparation. We removed the thirsty maple tree (its roots extended twice as far as the canopy cover), the old traditional lawn and about 20 yards of sand and rock.

“Next, we rototilled down about 18 inches then tilled in compost, peat (sorry we now know it is non-renewable), sawdust, other organics and new soil. After that, we added between four to eight inches of topsoil.

“Finally, we added approximately four inches of Ogogrow premium mulch.

“Three: Practical turf areas. We put in a patch of grass for each child, just the right size to lie on in the summer or make snow angels on in the winter. We used an “enviro-lawn” grass that requires less watering.

“Four: Efficient irrigation. We set up two separate drip irrigation zones. Each zone has different types of emitters that can be adjusted to each plant’s needs. We have a large rain barrel that we use for supplemental watering. The overflow is used for low pressure drip irrigation. I have directed two of our downspouts to give some areas extra water.

“Five: Appropriate plant selection. Before choosing, Sandy spent a great deal of time making many visits to nurseries in the area, a trip to the Summerland Ornamental Garden’s Xeriscape Gardens, and many walks around different neighbourhoods in different cities looking at water wise plant groupings.

“Light requirements have been taken into account.

“Six: Mulching. All the garden beds have four inches of Ogogrow premium mulch. No landscape fabric was used.

“We used a rock mulch as ground cover around the perimeter of the house for fire protection and on the parking pad.

“Seven: Garden maintenance. The children do the majority of the weeding. When they step out of line, they get to pull 40 weeds which usually only takes them five minutes.

“Mowing, watering, pruning and pest control are all minimal. This project was a lot of work, but it has really paid for itself in time saved and enjoyment gained. All four of us are very proud of what we did.”

I invite you to visit the gallery page at www.okanaganxeriscape.org to view more photos of this garden and others that were entered in the xeriscape garden contest.

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